Back to school is right around the corner, so it seems like the perfect time to put together a project to get kids excited about getting back into the daily grind of schoolwork.

Here’s a quick and easy tutorial for how to marble with nail polish. This marbled pocket folder project is quick and inexpensive, at less than a dollar a piece, and should do the trick to get the kids pumped up about waking up early and hearing that bell ring again.

All you need is a little bit of nail polish and a few other household items. Want to make your own? Here’s what you’ll need.

Supplies:

Paper 2-Pocket Folders

Nail Polish in Various Colors

Toothpicks or Wooden Kabob Sticks (optional)

Spray Sealant (optional)

Large Dish, Container, or Pan (that you will no longer be able to use for food after this project)

Water

Instructions:

Note: Before getting started, be sure to set up for this tutorial in a well ventilated area, outside if possible. The nail polish fumes are a little bit strong smelling for indoors.

1. Start by pouring at least an inch of water into a large container.

2. Next start adding nail polish into the container, one color at a time. You’ll only need a few drops per color. As you slowly add the drops of nail polish, you’ll see the droplets expand and start creating interesting shapes. If the nail polish is not expanding, you may be holding the nail polish too far away from the surface of the water.

3. Continue adding nail polish in the colors you want and then gently drag a toothpick or wooden skewer through the colors to create a more marbled look, if desired.

4. Next, dip the folder, facedown, into the water. Then, quickly pull it back out.

5. Set the folder aside to dry. Once dry, you can add a coat of spray sealant if necessary, before using.

Need some color scheme inspiration for this back to school DIY? Customize the nail polish colors, used for the project, to your child’s school colors or their favorite color, in various shades.

Brittni Mehlhoff is an editor and craft stylist, currently living in the sunshine state. Her DIY lifestyle blog, Paper & Stitch, has been named one of the 12 most beautiful creative blogs on the internet by Bridgette.de and her work has been featured in the pages of Country Living, Uppercase, Woman's Day, Mollie Makes, and more. You can follow her pins on Pinterest for DIY inspiration and more.